5 Things I Love About Madrid

There are countless bars and restaurants in Madrid. At any time, you can see people enjoying a late lunch or dinner with wine, relaxing in the sun. With the weather being just perfect at this time of year; spending time outside is so enjoyable. There are always street artists performing in the city center or in the metro. The historic Plaza Mayor, with charming cobblestones and frequent events, and the La Latina quarter, with vibrant theaters and bars, are always buzzing with life and festivity.

I’ve noticed that people like to take things slow and live life more relaxed. Madrid is the perfect place to soak in that lifestyle and enjoy the vibrant energy of Spain.

The food in Spain, especially in Madrid, is always fresh and delicious. One of my favorite things to do is tapas hopping with my friends, enjoying snacks and drinks in local bars. Eating Spanish foods like jamón ibérico, churros, and bocadillos brings me closer to Spanish culture. Living with a host family, I get to experience home-cooked local meals prepared by my host mom. Dishes like cocido madrileño and tortilla española have found a special place in my heart.

With the second-largest metro network after London, Madrid is extremely convenient to navigate. The bus, subway, and rail systems help you get anywhere in the city and nearby suburbs. From my past posts, you might know that I take the train almost every day to get to the university. It’s very clean, fast, and frequent. I love reading or listening to Spanish music while on my way to uni, looking out at the hills and buildings of suburban Madrid.

You can also reach the mountains around Madrid by bus. On weekends, going for a hike with friends is one of my favorite outdoor activities.

Madrid has many green spaces. One of the most iconic is Parque del Retiro, which features several royal gardens, a beautiful lake, and rich biodiversity. I like coming here to read after classes and to meet up with friends for a picnic. The largest park in Madrid is Casa de Campo. It’s so vast that it includes a zoo, an amusement park, a pond, and many biking and hiking trails. Overall, if you love nature, you will love Madrid.

Madrid boasts many world-class museums such as the Prado Museum and the Reina Sofía Museum. I’ve had the chance to visit with my friends and admire masterpieces by Picasso, Goya, and many other famous painters. Another famous location is the Royal Palace, with the Almudena Cathedral right next to it. With its baroque architecture and central location, it’s a great meeting spot with friends. The best part is that students can access all cultural sights free or with a discount throughout Spain.

I still feel like I have much more to explore and learn about this city. I’m sure that after my program ends, I will return to Madrid again to remember my semester here and enjoy the city. If you are ever in Spain, make sure to add Madrid to your destinations.

Hasta luego!